George Dickel Bottled in Bond Review | Forget Evan Williams — Try This | The Liquor Connoisseur
- connoisseurofliquo
- Apr 26
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
George Dickel Bottled in Bond has been one of the best-kept secrets in Tennessee whiskey for years. Crystal and Roger make the case that if you're drinking Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, you should know about Dickel — and their verdict is direct.
Bottle Specs
Spirit: George Dickel Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky
Distillery: George Dickel & Co., Tullahoma, Tennessee
Category: Tennessee Whisky — Bottled in Bond
Requirements: Single distillery, single season, aged 4+ years, 100 proof
ABV: 50% (100 proof)
Price: ~$25–30
Note: 'Whisky' spelling — Dickel's deliberate Scottish-style choice
What Bottled in Bond Actually Guarantees
The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was the first federal consumer protection law for spirits — guaranteeing single distillery, single distillation season, 4+ years aging, and exactly 100 proof. It's a quality standard that remains meaningful today as a marker of production integrity.
Why Dickel Over Evan Williams
Both are excellent 100-proof whiskeys at roughly the same price. Dickel uses limestone-filtered water and applies the Lincoln County charcoal process to a Tennessee whisky rather than whiskey (the Scottish spelling is deliberate). The result is a smoother, slightly different expression that Crystal and Roger find more interesting.
Tasting Notes — Nose, Palate, Finish
Nose: Clean vanilla, caramel, and corn sweetness with Tennessee smoothness. Palate: Full-bodied at 100 proof with caramel leading and gentle rye spice. The Lincoln County charcoal process adds an extra degree of smoothness. Finish: Long and warming with sweetness and a pleasant oak dryness.
🥃 Crystal & Roger's LC Recommendations
If you drink Evan Williams BIB: Try Dickel BIB next. Similar price and proof; Dickel offers a distinct Tennessee whisky alternative worth knowing.
For 100-proof value: George Dickel Bottled in Bond is one of the best 100-proof whiskey values in the market.
As a cocktail whiskey: 100-proof whiskey is the professional bartender's preference. Dickel at this proof elevates any whiskey cocktail.
LC Verdict
One of the best value whiskeys available at any price. George Dickel Bottled in Bond delivers on every count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is George Dickel Bottled in Bond better than Evan Williams Bottled in Bond?
Both are outstanding values and the difference is more about style than quality. Dickel has a Tennessee whisky character with Lincoln County Process smoothness and a slightly different grain profile. Evan Williams BiB is more straightforwardly bourbon-adjacent. Dickel tends to win blind tastings at the price point, but both are exceptional for under $30.
What is the difference between George Dickel and Jack Daniel's?
Both are Tennessee whiskies using the Lincoln County charcoal mellowing process. Dickel uses charcoal made from sugar maple burned at a higher temperature ('lump charcoal'), whereas Jack Daniel's uses charcoal made from burning wood in a specific way. Dickel also tends to be bottled at higher proof in expressions like Bottled in Bond. Many tasters find Dickel bolder and spicier; Jack Daniel's softer and sweeter.
Why does George Dickel spell it 'whisky' not 'whiskey'?
George Dickel believed his Tennessee spirit was of similar quality to Scotch whisky, so he adopted the Scottish spelling without the 'e' as a statement of that quality belief. It's purely stylistic — the spirit is American Tennessee whisky by every legal definition.
What proof is George Dickel Bottled in Bond?
Exactly 100 proof (50% ABV). The Bottled in Bond Act requires all BiB spirits to be bottled at 100 proof — this is a federal legal requirement, not a brand choice.
Is George Dickel hard to find?
George Dickel Bottled in Bond is widely distributed and readily available at most well-stocked liquor stores and online retailers. It's not an allocated or hard-to-find bottle — one of the reasons it's such a strong recommendation.
Drink To Remember, Not To Forget. 🥃
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